Details

National LAG Code
CL29
Spoken languages
Simple English, Russian
Main Fund
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Main Programme
CAP Strategic Plan - Latvia
Number of LAG staff
3.0

Physical & demographic characteristics of LAG area

There are two towns in the territory: Balvi and Viļaka. Balvi is a regional development center. The area also includes 19 rural parishes. Population of Balvi Municipality – 18,513 (data as of 01.01.2025). Intangible cultural heritage plays an important role as part of the North Latgale cultural space. For example, Upīte village (in Šķilbēni parish), the surrounding area and its people, along with their living cultural traditions, are included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is due to their role in preserving and actively promoting the distinctive folklore heritage of North Latgale.

Assets & land use of the LAG area

According to data from the State Land Service Register, the largest part of the territory is covered by forests (approximately 45%) and agricultural land (approximately 35%). A relatively large portion of the territory is also occupied by water bodies and swamps (almost 7%). 

Decision-making body's entities number
9 entities
We cover
18 240 people
Our territory is
2 386.30 km²
We operate in
1 municipalities

Viļakas novads

LAG strategy

Key Themes of LAG Strategy

 Local Economy Strengthening Initiatives

  • Support creation and growth of micro and small businesses, including tourism.
  • Help develop new products, services, and improve local product sales environments.
  • Support rural product and service development through fixed-sum grants (“Rural Ticket”).

Community Empowerment and Place Development Initiatives

  • Improve local areas for better access to services, quality, and public activities (e.g., cultural, environmental, sports).
  • Promote preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.
  • Support socially vulnerable groups’ inclusion and community activities.
  • Support youth initiatives for life skills, education on entrepreneurship, and active participation.
  • Encourage cooperation with partners inside and outside Latvia for regional development.

Additional information on the strategy

Funding Details:
The strategy outlines support intensity rates, generally starting at 40% for economic initiatives and up to 70% or more for community projects, with potential increases based on specific criteria.

Target Area:
Projects must take place within the North Latgale Partnership’s operational territory. Although cooperation project activities and experience exchange activities can also be carried out outside the operational territory.

Focus on Local Resources:
Priority is given to using local resources, supporting local product processing, and promoting regional identity through culture and tourism.

Inclusivity:
The strategy emphasizes inclusion of socially vulnerable groups and youth engagement to strengthen community cohesion.

Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing:
Encourages inter-territorial and cross-border cooperation to share best practices and stimulate innovation.

Sustainability and Quality:
Supports projects that improve the quality of life, infrastructure, and accessibility.

Themes linked to LAG Strategy

Themes of interest in LEADER TNC

Contacts

Main contact

Brīvības 46a, LV4501 Balvi - Latvia
info@zlp.lv
+371 29134410

Cooperation contact

info@zlp.lv